Retrofit Centre for Traditional Buildings

Organisation: Historic Environment Scotland 
Principal investigator:
Lyn Wilson

Investment Overview

This facility provides specialist training, professional development, and technical support focused specifically on the retrofit of traditional and older buildings. It delivers a Level 3 accredited course on energy efficiency measures tailored to traditional construction, alongside targeted CPD for professionals working in heritage‑sensitive retrofit. Supported by Historic Environment Scotland, the facility will host a collection of scientific equipment to support projects on building performance monitoring, retrofit assessment, and applied research into traditional buildings. It offers a collaborative space for likeminded organisations, practitioners, researchers and community groups to connect, share expertise, and advance best practice in traditional buildings retrofit.

The Retrofit Centre will be located within Lock 16, Scotland’s Centre of Excellence for Canals and Traditional Skills in Falkirk, Scotland, where retrofit training, research, heritage science expertise and specialist equipment will be brought together in a collaborative environment. The investment has also included the appointment of a Retrofit Skills and Innovation Manager to lead delivery and coordinate activities. The facility will permit opportunities for innovation, applying new methods and experimenting with low-carbon materials, benefitting both the heritage and construction sectors. Through innovative research and targeted interventions, the RICHeS investment will promote healthier and more sustainable living environments, contributing to enhanced wellbeing and building resilience against climate change impacts.

Explore More

Visit the HSDS Catalogue of Services for information on services available to access.

You can find out more about the Level 3 course on Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings here.